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Top 5 from 1989

30.10.14

My Top 5 songs from Taylor Swift's 1989.

By now you've probably heard '1989', right? Highly anticipated by swarms of media after her tongue-in-cheek 'Shake It Off' release that was essentially a fingers up to the crowd song, her album is easily the best thing to happen to my iTunes library in a while. '1989' takes a full-frontal pop flavour in stark contrast to Taylor's original country flair that then moved tentatively to the pop realms that always shunned her. I don't like that whole 'she's finally grown up' thing but this album is 100% going to define my 20s. Now I see exactly what made Brian Mansfield say 'It’s like the other albums were practice for this one.'

Continuing my Taylor Swift series, let's dissect my top five favourites from her 6th album (don't worry, I'll let you work out the secret messages):

Blank Space
When I heard Blank Space for the first time at 4:07am on Monday morning, my heart metaphorically sang. It's completely different and yet full of precisely the same reasons why I adore Taylor Swift. The conversational lyrics, plinky sounds and nostalgic feel just does it for me. It definitely has a hint of 80s about it but I just adore how Taylor's unique vocals and devil-may-care attitude apply a current flavour to it. If I had to pick one song to listen to for the rest of 2014, it'd be this. Favourite lyrics:'So it's gonna be forever, Or it's gonna go down in flames.' and 'I'm dying to see where this one ends.'

How You Get The Girl
I think How You Get The Girl feels a little like 2006 Taylor to me. I just love the chorus so damn much: I can't stop getting in the car and having a good singalong! And it perfectly demonstrates Taylor's positive defeatist songwriting skillset, turning sadness and acceptance into 4 minutes of super-singability. Casually inventing my own words. Favourite lyrics:'Pictures in frames of kisses on cheeks.'

Style
Opening with a sweet guitar instrumental, Style is as sophisticated and polished as the title would suggest. Telling the tale of how it's been a while since she'd heard from mysterious 'you', it has a relaxed poppy feel with genius lyrics pertaining to her personal style and favourite music. It's undeniably Taylor lyric-wise but the track itself feels timeless. I adore the whole idea of a relationship and couple being in style all the time. I love it. Favourite lyrics:'You've got that James Dean daydream look in your eye, And I got that red lip classic thing that you like. And when we come crashing down we come back everytime, 'Cos we never go out of style.'

All You Had To Was Stay
I felt quite neutral towards this at first and then I realised I loved it because it's what I wanted Stay Stay Stay from her last album to be. I adore the faux falsetto and the slower pace of it. Again, it feels like a perfect blend of her earlier music with her new pop take. And you can pinpoint exact storylines and moments behind the song itself. Favourite lyrics:'You were all I ever wanted, But not like this.'

Clean
This seems to be the overall favourite from '1989' of the majority of people that I've spoken to. It errs on eerie with a firm wanderlust and longing behind it. I love the metaphorical language throughout the lyrics - as Man Repeller said - they'd be the ideal MSN message lyrics. I think nearly everybody can relate to the message behind this one too: that moment when you realise you're finally over someone, something. Again, the grown-up version of Breathe from 'Fearless' which is one of my favourite songs in life. Favourite lyrics:'Rain pouring down, When I was drowning, That's when I could finally breathe.'

32 comments

I'm really loving this album too! I was quite disappointed when I first heard that it didn't even have a hint of country in it which I loved about Taylor, but my goodness it is a really amazing album! I've had a different song stuck in my head for the last 4 days, right now its All you had to do was stay xxx

My album arrived two days late so I've only had one full day of listening. So far my favourites are Style and Blank Space but that's probably going to change with a few more listens, they're just so catchy though!

This is so so tricky but I think "Clean" and "Blank Space" are my favourites:) I love the new direction she is taking with her music but there are still echoes of songs like "Fearless" thrown into the mix. Phoebe xxwww.phoebtea.co.uk

I've had Blank Space and Clean on rotation all week. Am so impressed with Clean, it's odd it lyrically sounds like a Taylor Swift track but is just so so different musically.Also think I Wish You Would and New Romantics are seriously underrated favourites! I ADORE the 80s synths/beat on those two Xx

Oh those messages ;) I'm so sorry I put you girls through that hahah! I can't wait to see you ladies in my new hometown next year - I feel so at home and settled already. I actually can't see myself leaving...

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Editor's Note

Fashion enthusiasts and bad decision-makers, assemble. This blog is best read accompanied by a piping hot beverage and music of your choice. Alternatively, sample my music faves right up there. Any impulse buys made as a result of you reading these pages are not my responsibility ;)